Seasonal Depression:
What Are the Symptoms?

Season changes can be exciting, however, for many the changing of seasons can be difficult. Summer can be full of carefree times, but when Fall starts it can be a return to obligations and stricter schedules. With the days getting shorter there is less sunlight which can dramatically impact your mood. Mental Health America of Wisconsin identifies that about half a million people in the United States experience symptoms of depression when the seasons begin to change. This is a form of Major Depressive Disorder, often referred to as Seasonal Depressive Disorder (SAD).

SAD is treatable with the right interventions, such as therapy and psychiatric medication management. You don’t have to wait until you symptoms become unmanageable, you deserve to feel better.

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Learning More

SAD is a type of depressive disorder with symptoms that can seem to come and go with the seasons. It is a myth that this type of depression only occurs during the Fall and Winter. While this is the more common type, symptoms can begin with the changing of any season. There are many individuals that experience symptoms as the seasons change into the summer.

While it may be natural to feel slightly less energy or sleep longer initially during the cold months, the seasonal change should not drastically change how you feel or impact your functioning. If your depressive symptoms are making it difficult for you to live your normal day-to-day life, you may be experiencing SAD.

Symptoms of SAD

SAD is one subtype of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) which means that symptoms are that of MDD as well as some others that are more unique. Symptoms will begin at a particular time of year and will go away at the end of that particular season. The following symptoms are associated with Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Onset aka Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):

  • Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
  • Decreased interest or enjoyment
  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Increased or decreased appetite
  • Sleep disturbance, having difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
  • Feeling keyed up or restless. The opposite is also of concern, if you feel that you are slowed down, almost like you are walking through Jello.
  • Feeling tired or having a lack of energy nearly every day
  • Feelings of worthlessness or feeling excessive guilt
  • Having a hard time concentrating and/or making decisions
  • Frequent, recurrent thoughts of death

Get the Care You Need and Deserve

Many people are affected by the weather and by the changes in seasons. When the impact of seasonal change is excessive or impacts your ability to live your life as you’d like you may want to seek out a professional. You deserve to feel better. Therapy and psychiatric medication management can help.

SAD is treatable, especially with early intervention. Don’t wait for the season to change. As the last autumn leaf falls to the ground and the first snowflake drops, embrace the changing season without depression. If you are looking for treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder in Pittsboro, North Carolina, call CCS today to get started!

Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.